“I have told you already that I am a stranger, and know no one here.”
The gentleman threw his eyes over the warrant, and then looking me steadily in the face, muttered in a whisper to the officer, “Why, he must have been a boy, a mere child, at the time.”
“Very true, sir; but the major says it must be done. Maybe you'd bail him yourself.”
These words were added in a tone of half irony, as the fellow gave a sly look beneath his eyelashes.
“I tell you, again,” said I, impatient at the whole scene, “I am quite ready to accompany you.”
“Is this your name, sir?” said the strange gentleman, addressing me, as he pointed to the warrant.
“Yes,” interposed the officer, “there's no doubt about that; he gave it himself.”
“Come, come, then, Roche,” said he, cajolingly; “these are not times for undue strictness. Let the gentleman remain where he is to-night, and to-morrow he will attend you. You can remain here, if you like, with him.”
“If you say so, I suppose we may do it,” replied the officer, as he folded up the paper, and arose from the table.
“Yes, yes; that's the proper course. And now,” said he, addressing me, “will you permit me to join you while I finish this bottle of claret?”